Remove a stuck return line plug

[Mr Glenn]

Hi, I am wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to unscrew this return line plug in my skimmer. Not seeing any tools on the internet.
Thanks

 

[Bperry]

Hi, I am wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to unscrew this return line plug in my skimmer. Not seeing any tools on the internet.
Thanks

That is not a return line plug as its in the intake. Are you sure the plug needs to be removed? Skimmers offen have two intake lines and one is permanently plugged if not used.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! I agree.^^ It looks like that plug is on the pool side (near the skimmer mouth) which would imply "IF" it ever was used, was probably connected to the drain. But it may never have been used from day one when the pool was built. If you aren't sure, show us more pics of your equipment pad and/or the pool itself. Also be sure to update your signature.

 

[Texas Splash]

In case you need this.

Create Your Signature - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Mr Glenn]

I will work on my signature thank you. I just bought this house and pool a year ago. I am learning as I go. The pool was built in the 80s.
I am fairly certain this plug is to the line that runs from my drain in the pool. So my guess is that if I want the drain in the pool to suck, then I need
to unplug this hole and let water flow out one hole and into the other? Is that correct? Do I care if I ever use the main drain?
Can debris build up in this small section of main drain and pipe leading into the skimmer? Thanks for your patience.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

You don't live in an area where pools are normally winterized. The plug is probably there for a reason. Best to leave well enough alone.

Are you sure there are no valves that control your main drain? If you're unsure, post a few pics of the plumbing at your equipment pad and we may be able to help.

If you want to head through the rabbit hole, this should open it up for you. You might be able to find a similar tool that will do the job.

TEKTON 10 in. to 17 in. Telescoping 7/8 - 2-1/2 in. Basin Wrench WRN92004 - The Home Depot

Uniquely designed for easy, one-handed operation in confined areas, the TEKTON Telescoping Basin Wrench takes the frustration out of under-sink work. Ideal for larger nuts and retaining collars on faucets,

www.homedepot.com

 

[Bperry]

I will work on my signature thank you. I just bought this house and pool a year ago. I am learning as I go. The pool was built in the 80s.
I am fairly certain this plug is to the line that runs from my drain in the pool. So my guess is that if I want the drain in the pool to suck, then I need
to unplug this hole and let water flow out one hole and into the other? Is that correct? Do I care if I ever use the main drain?
Can debris build up in this small section of main drain and pipe leading into the skimmer? Thanks for your patience.

The main drain is not a mandatory item. Some people dont even have them installed in new pool. But IF it really is used for a main drain, its VERY odd that its plugged.

 

[PoolStored]

I use a 3' square aluminum tube that fits over the plug. Your plug is hexagonal, so it will only engage 4 sides. Measure the plug and get the aluminum tube with inside diameter that matches the W and H of the plug head.

 

[Mr Glenn]

Thanks for all of your input. I am sure this cap plugs up the return line from my main drain. I am just trying to get a clearer sense of do I need to uncap this line and use my main drain every now and then? So I am not constantly having my pool cleaner in the water doing its thing with all that tubing that needs to come out when I want to swim? ? My thinking was, also, do I want to open up the main drain line every now and then just to make sure there is nothing collecting in there like leaves and dirt? Or is just having the skimmer do its thing enough when the cleaner is not in the water?
I found this on Amazon that is the width of that cap (2.5inches) Amazon.com
if I do try to unscrew it.